· 6 years ago · Sep 17, 2019, 04:42 PM
1MARTIN CREGIER
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4One Cregier genealogy states that he had been a Huguenot refugee from Borcken, Holland and from Toulouse, France.
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6Martin Cregier (Krygier), the first Burgomaster of New Amsterdam, having distinguished himself as a fearless warrior, retired with Gov. Stuyvesant into private life. There were actually 2 burgomasters of New Amsterdam: Martin and Arendt Van Hattem. They were sworn in on February 2, 1653 along with five schepens and a secretary. He may have settled at Canastagione, now Niskayuna (Albany county, NY), on the banks of the Mohawk River. In the retired spot, he died in the early part of 1713. His descendants continued to own the homestead in Niskayuna well into the 1900's. There are some researchers who believe that it was Martin Jr. who died in 1713 and not his father. This is more than likely the case. A Martin Cregier of Kanestagione (Niskayuna), Albany county died prior to March 3, 1713. His wife was Jannetie. This is the son of Martin Cregier, Sr. His wife and children (Martin, Samuel, Lysbet, Marytje, Katrina, Johanna and Geertruy) were listed in his will. His wife, Jannetie died prior to June 10, 1741. Some sources state that Martin, Jr. married Janneken Hendricx Van Doesburg at New Amsterdam on September 6, 1671.
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8There is a record of a Martin Cregier who either made his will or died in Port Albany, NY on or around January 21, 1702. I do not know which Martin this is.
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10New Amsterdam was the first permanent settlement by the Dutch West Indies Company in 1626. In the same year, Fort Amsterdam was constructed. In 1628, the settlement consisted of 270 persons.
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12In a tax list of New York City for the East ward, made about 1703, is the name of Captain Cragror [Cregier] who had 1 male 16-60; 2 females; 2 female children; and 1 female slave.
13den 31 dict . [Dec] Marten Cregier Tryntie Cornelis Van Tienhoven, Secrts., Olof Stephenszen Van Courtlant, Ariaen Dircks, Sara Roelofs, h. v. Mr. Hans Van Kierstede.
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15Pieter Montfoort baptized Jannetje May 8, 1646.
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17"Martin Cregier, patriot, captain and burgomaster, will be remembered for his great activity in the civic and military life of New Amsterdam. From a humble beginning, as a trader and tavern-keeper, he showed such ability that he came to serve in almost every civic capacity and his skill, bravery and love of adventure raised him to the Captain-Lieutenancy of the West India Co[mpany]" Before coming to New Amsterdam, Martin lived in Borcken, where his son, Frans, was born, and Amsterdam where his daughter, Margrietje, was born. Borcken may have been a village in the province of North Brabant, Holland.
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19Martin came to New Amsterdam with his wife, Lysbeth Jans, and at least 3 children prior to April 5, 1643 (when their daughter, Catherine, was baptized). He entered into the service of the West India Company. On August 4, 1649, Martin Kregier, late sergeant to Gerrit Vastrick, petitioned for 1,271 guilders and 19 stivers due him from that company at Amsterdam. On March 4, 1649, he had been listed as lieutenant in a company of burgher officers of which Jacob Couwenhoven was captain.
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21Martin was at first a trader in America. On September 2, 1643, there is a record of him discussing the price of beaver. On July 15, 1644, he sent 50 beavers to Holland for sale. On December 4, 1646, he signed partnership papers with Kieft, acting for the West India Company, and 9 others which indicate he owned 1/16th of the small French-built frigate, "La Garce," which sailed as a privateer under the control of the Dutch government, preying upon Spanish barks and returning to New Amsterdam with copper, Negroes, coral, wine, tobacco, ebony, sugar and the spoils of war. Cregier was captain of a sloop which sailed between Albany and New Amsterdam, called the "Bedfort" with which in later years he traded along the Delaware.
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23His trading activities were not confined to New Netherlands. In 1651 and 1652, there were letters from Lion Gardener of the Isle of Wite the mention Martin. As early as February 1683, Martin had a sloop on which he conducted trading ventures to New Castle, Delaware. He traded with "Natives or others in those parts." On March 27, 1675, after the British reoccupation, Gov. Andros sent a message to the Schout of New Castle by Capt. Kriegiers Sloop.
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25As early as 1647, Martin was a tavern-keeper in New Amsterdam. There were three inns located near the fort and overlooking the green. One was operated by Peter Kock, the Dane, at # 1 Broadway, and another owned by Martin who was Peter's neighbor and another across Marketveldt, the new name for Bowling Green, on Stone Street. This tavern was later called the 'King's Arm Tavern' and at the time of the Revolution, it was called Burns' Coffee House. As late as 1860, there was still a tavern on the spot, then being known as 'The Atlantic Garden.'
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27On January 23, 1648, Governor Stuyvesant and his council ordered that no chimneys of wood and plaster were to be build between the Fort and Kalck Hoek Pond. Martin and two others were made fire wardens representing the commonalty. This was the first constituted fire department. They were given the power to inspect all chimneys and levy a fine of three guilders for every flue found dirty and to impose a fine of 25 florins if a house burned because of the owner's carelessness. The money collected went towards the purchase of hooks, buckets and ladders.
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29The first burgomasters of New Amsterdam were Arendt Van Hattem and Marten Cregier. On February 2, 1653, Candlemas Day, the first magistrates received their commissions and were sworn in and New Amsterdam acquired a municipal government of its own. The burgomasters were the mayors of the city. Much of the work fell upon Martin because Van Hattem was often away on his own or official business. Martin served as burgomaster in 1653, 1654, 1659, 1660 and 1663. His salary in 1664 was 350 guilders yearly. On June 26, 1663, he resigned from the bench of burgomasters and schepens to devote all of his time to military affairs. On January 27, 1654, he suggested that the court of burgomasters and schepens be allowed to submit a double number of nominations for officers for the following year (from which the governor and council could choose) and that consideration be given to compensation for the burgomasters and schepens - a revolutionary idea, to pay civil officers, including magistrates.
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31In 1653, Thomas Baxter of Rhode Island had been inflicting heavy losses on the English as well as the Dutch towns of Long Island that a convention was called in 1653 to try to secure cooperation among the company and the towns. At least 7 towns codified their grievances in the Humble Remonstrance and Petition of the Colonies and Villages in this New Netherland Province. Redress was demanded for six wrongs. Mostly for the misuse of power by Gov. Stuyvesant. It was essentially a declaration of rights. Stuyvesant rejected it claiming that the delegates were not legally qualified. Martin signed the petition as burgomaster. Martin also wrote a series of Short Notes explaining more informally and explicitly the various sections of the Humble Remonstrance. It took courage to oppose Stuyvesant. The Amsterdam Chamber of the West India Company had contended that it was supreme in the affairs of New Netherland; and Stuyvesant claimed that his commission made him supreme, after speaking of the people of the province as his "subjects." When an attempt was made to 'muzzle' van der Donck, Martin voted to let him state his case. Also, his decisions in the court and as an orphan-master seem to have been eminently just.
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33During 1654, the Noble Lords Directors of the West India Company had prepared a painted coat of arms of the city of New Amsterdam and a cut seal in silver; these were delivered to Martin as presiding burgomaster on December 8 after their arrival on the ship De Pereboom.
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35On May 18, 1643, he was given a ground-brief - a house and garden north of the fort on the west side of the Heere Wegh (Broadway) opposite the open space before the fort which later became Bowling Green (located at the present #3 or #9-11 Broadway). It was the first lot on De Heere Straat on the left side of Bowling Green, some 87 rods in perimeter. In 1643, when Broadway was starting to resemble a street, Martin built the second tavern (#9-11 Broadway). There was a tavern on the site till 1860. On March 10, 1645, Jan Jansen van den Ham declared that Martin was bequeathed a house by his friend Sergeant Martin Ael (lot was #14-16 Broadway). His friend wrote his will while lying in bed wounded during the night between March 5th and 6th.
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37In 1653, he was a delegate to the convention to represent the state of the country to authorities in Holland.
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39On April, 1654, he and Fiscaal van Tienhoven were sent as representatives of the governor and council to Gov. Eaton of Connecticut to try to negotiate some means of suppressing the English pirates whose raids on Dutch shipping were increasing; they were also to protest "the abduction of Capt. Cregier's negroes protected by a safe-conduct of the said honorable Governor and kidnaped within his jurisdiction. At this time, Martin was also spoken of as "Captain of one of the Citizens' Companies of this City of New Amsterdam." and probably in both of his capacities superintended the construction of fortifications.
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41In the Report on Garrisoning Fort Casmir, on the Delaware River dated November 1, 1656, "To office the aforesaid companies, one Martin Kryger had offered himself as Captain and Alexander Hinojossa as Lieutenant; no Ensign satisfactory to us having come forward, we recommend both those gentleman to your Worships agreeably to your Instruction, as persons who, we trust on this occasion, are capable of doing good service. The first having resided many years in New Netherland and given proof enough of his qualifications, and especially of his knowledge of the country and of the South river, and the other on account of his long service in Brazil and other capacities, having been employed there as Lieutenant and Captain-Lieutenant."
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43On February 25, 1656, he petitioned the council for leave to build on his lot west Broadway. The house was supposed to be a 2 story building with window in the high peak and the crow-stepped gables being turned towards Broadway. It was taller and more narrow than his neighbors - possibly due to the narrowness of the lot which was broader at North River and narrower at The Great Highway. The house was completed by September 15, 1659, when "the newly built house and lot of the Worshipfull Burgomaster Marten Cregier" are referred to by his neighbor Jacobus Backer. On January 3, 1664, a malicious servant, a negress named Lysbet Antonio or Antonis, set fire to the house. On January 26, he surrendered his grant and received a modified patent for a house and garden. In 1674, Martin's property was noted as a class of property Second, nationality Dutch and estimated wealth $5,000. The house was rebuilt in 1685 and was later sold to Peter Bayard.
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45Most of the hired soldiers of the West India Company were not of Dutch extraction.
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47On July 9, 1651, he witnessed the interrogation of the Indians in the South River settlements (Delaware River) concerning their sale of land to the Swedes. A week later he witnessed a complaint of the Dutch traders against the Swedes. As of July 19, he was one of the commissioners to obtain from the Indians the land claimed by the Swedes.
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49He witnessed a letter of protest to Gov. Stuyvesant while at Fort Beversreede because a Mr. Printz, a Swede, was buying up land around the fort from the Indians. This could cause a military problem because, in the event of war, the supply route between Fort Nassau and Fort Beversreede would be in jeopardy. This is why Gov. Stuyvesant had two separate patrols (one of 120 men and one of 11 boats) converge on the area and the Swedes offered no resistance. Gov. Stuyvesant purchased the Swedish land from the Indians. He had made it seem as though the Indians gave the land as a gift; however, Stuyvesant secretly paid off the Indians with knives, axes, 4 guns, 4 pounds of lead (in bars), some powder and awes. Martin also signed the secret contract. He was then Lieutenant of New Amsterdam Burgess Company.
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51On September 11, 1653 he was a delegate to the general assembly of the country called by the Governor and the council. The city was represented by burgomaster Cregier and Schepen Van der Grist. In 1664, he was an envoy to Governor Theophilus Eaton of New Haven colony, to demand the suppression of the English pirates. He was president of the board of burgomasters during the absence of Stuyvesant in Curacoa. He superintended the strengthening of the defenses of the city when the English forces were threatening. In 1653, Martin, the trader, had offered $40 as a loan for the erection of the city palisades and two years later had given $20 for the same purpose.
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53Martin took an active part in the Dutch settlement of New Amstel on the South River (Delaware). Because of his military experience and his knowledge of South River, he was placed in command of the forty soldiers engaged as the garrison for New Amstel when it was founded in 1656. Martin was there as early as November 1. In the fall of 1657, he was sent to the Isle of Kent, Virginia [Maryland] to try to obtain animals for the settlement. He returned on September 11, 1657 and reported the English governor was preparing to come over to Delaware. Martin was to be paid 50 florins per month with 150 florins per year allocated (for rations). It was mentioned that Martin offered himself as captain as Fort Casimir, "having resided many years in New Netherland and given proof enough of his qualifications, and especially of his knowledge of the country and of the South River." His commission was dated December 5, 1656. By November 1657, he was at odds with Jacob Aldrichs and asked to be discharged, but he was there either still or again with his son Francis in August 1658. When his troops there were depleted, he was commissioned on September 22, 1659 to lead 60 men who were being sent in three vessels, which arrived at Fort Altena on the 26th. He, as burgomaster, and Van Ruyven, as secretary, were there officially because of the threat of conquest by the English in Maryland. The official authorities, though welcoming the troops, did not like the official interference, and accused Martin and Van Ruyven of suggesting that women leave New Amstel and go to Manhattan.
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55On December 5, 1656, the Burgomasters and Regents of the City of Amsterdam appointed Martin captain of a company of soldiers to be sent to their colony in New Netherlands. On Christmas day, earlier than had been announced by the directors, the embarkation from Holland took place. The West India Company sent out 167 men on three ships, the Prince Maurice, the Bear and the Flower of Gueldor. During a storm, the ships were separated and the Prince of Maurice was wrecked about midnight on the south coast of Long Island, near Fire Island Inlet. On March 12, Jacob Aldrichs, the Vice-Director in charge of the enterprise wrote that all were spared and he hoped to save most of the goods. Meanwhile, he was stranded on a bleak and barren shore with a body of people and about 50 soldiers under the "Honorable Captain Martin Kryger [Cregier] and Lieutenant D'Hinoyossa. It was cold and freezing hard and he demanded help and assistance. Indians brought the letter to Stuyvesant. Immediately a yacht was sent from New Amsterdam and the director himself went to the scene of the disaster. The people and most of the cargo were saved. A few weeks later, the company continued to the South River. For several years thereafter, Martin was active in military operations centering about the new colony.
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57In 1657, he was one of two men chosen to supersede the colonial governors, Alcocks and Beekman, when there was trouble with the Dutch settlements on the Delaware. They were in charge of the repairs on the graft (canal), now Broad Street, and received the great Burgherright. The following year, he was one of the orphan masters, a position that he was forced to resign one year later on account of his duties as burgomaster. As most widows and a large percentage of widowers remarried, an Orphans Court was early set up for the protection of the interests of minor children. From November 21, 1658 to February 7, 1659, when he resigned to become burgomaster again, and for an indefinite time from March 3, 1661, Martin was one of the orphan masters.
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59When the English from Maryland were making trouble in 1659, Martin commanded a force of 60 soldiers sent overland to New Amstel. He was also a captain of the Burgher Guard of New Amsterdam, at this time (Captain of the Burghery, or citizens' company). The guard had been organized early in Stuyvesant's administration and consisted of two companies, one under the blue flag and the other under the orange flag. The officers were appointed by the director general and the council from a double number chosen by the people. In March 1660, during the absence of Stuyvesant at Esopus, military authority was "absolutely committed to Captain Marten Cregier" and in June, he accompanied the Governor to Esopus to assist in making terms of peace with the Indians. During 1661, he served respectively as city treasurer and orphan master.
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61During Kieft's administrations there were serious Indian raids, especially on Long Island. There had been a short war between the Dutch and the Esopus Indians in the Spring of 1660. During that time, Martin had gone to the Esopus with Stuyvesant on June 12 primarily to obtain information. The military campaign had been handles by Ens. Smit. The usually astute Council made the serious error of sending Indian slaves to work with the Company's negroes (usually the enslaving of Indians was frowned upon by the Dutch). The Esopus were incensed but bided their time until, on June 7, 1663, they descended on the Wiltwyck (Kingston) settlement and killed 21, wounded 9 and took 45 captives. Thus started the second Esopus war. Martin and his men defeated the Indians on September 10. Martin kept a detailed journal of the campaign. The Journal has been translated and printed in Documentary History of the State of New York, E. B. O'Callahan 4:33-62 and gives an excellent account on the way the Indian campaign was conducted. It covers the period from July 4, 1663 to January 3, 1664. It was not until May 16, 1664 that the treaty was signed; not only with the Esopus but with the sachems of many tribes. Martin witnessed the document (Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of New York E. B. O'Callahan and Berthold Fernow 13:377). On May 15, 1664 [check dates], there was an important gathering in the council chamber of Fort Amsterdam. Chiefs, sachems and representatives from about twenty tribes were present. A treaty of peace was made signed by Governor Stuyvesant and others in authority. "Martin Cregier, Lieut." was one of the witnesses.
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63On June 26, 1663, Martin resigned his position as burgomaster and delivered the city seal and the key to the chest of deposits to Van Cortlandt. At this time, he was made Captain-Lieutenant of the West India Company and commander in the expedition against the Esopus Indians and made Stuyvesant's deputy for the Esopus War. In July, he wrote in his journal that he has about 130 men bearing arms, 100 bearing arms in the field. He thoroughly organized and trained his force and the citizen's guard and demanded supplies, volunteers and a surgeon. On September 10, a Hackensack Indian brought the first news to New Amsterdam of Martin's victory. He received a new coat as his reward. Three days later, a letter came from the captain announcing "the success and the advantage" he had gained with his soldiers. During the expedition, he had kept a detailed journal of the campaign and it relates of the difficult fighting in the forest with the result that "the Esopus nation" had been almost annihilated.
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65On December 6, 1663, he sailed in the company's yacht to the Navesink Indians, accompanied by Govert Loockermans, Jacques Cortelyou, Peter Ebel with soldiers, sailors and several Indians. A treaty was made with the chiefs for the purchase by the Dutch of all the unsold lands from Barnegat Bay to the Raritan River, thus curbing the aggressiveness of the English. Martin warned the Indians not to sell land to the British. He also warned a group of Englishmen who had been taken to the Navesink country on the boat of Captain Theophilus Ellsworth.
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67On December 4, 1664, he was issued 8 pounds (of gun powder ?) and went in the Company's sloop with some soldiers to the Esopus [Indians]. On May 12, 1664, he was issued one and one half pounds (issued to Captain Martin Cregier and Sergeant Harmen [Hoagland ?].
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69The year 1664 marked the surrender of New Netherlands to the English and New Amsterdam became New York. On January 11, 1664, Martin conferred with the reckless Captain John Scott about the latter's claim to Long Island. On February 21, he contributed 100 florins towards the fortification of the city. On September 8, he signed the Articles of Capitulation of the Surrender of New Netherlands and New Amsterdam fell to the control of the British. Captain Cregier said that he would provide powder, but, for fear the Dutch soldiers would suddenly attack the English on account of the surrender, he had two kegs of powder brought to his house instead of on board the ship Gideon then the soldiers sailed. On August 14, 1673, after the recovery of New York from the English, Cregier was chosen to confer with the Dutch commanders on behalf of the burghers of New Orange, as New York was temporarily called. Martin's son, Martin, had been whipped by the English when he was a young man for refusing to doff his hat to the domineering Captain John Scott and had signed a remonstrance to the Director-General and Council on September 5, 1664. Martin Jr. later married Jannetje Hendricks van Doesburg and settled in Albany county, NY. Captain Scott had conducted a series of raids on the Dutch towns on western Long Island. Martin and two others had been sent to Jamaica to protest, only to learn that the Duke of York hoped to capture all Dutch territory. By August 8, 1664, the English fleet was anchored in the Lower Bay. Fort Amsterdam, built to withstand Indian attacks by land was useless against the British and gun powder was scarce. In order to keep sailors from making a useless gesture, Martin took home two casks of powder. On September 8, Gov. Stuyvesant and his Council signed the articles of surrender. These provided very little change. guaranteeing to the Dutch liberty of conscience in worship and church discipline, a continuance of their own customs, freedom to trade, recognition of the decisions of their courts, and continuance in office of minor officials until the next election. Under these terms, there was really more protection of private property than there had ever been before.
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71The latter days of Martin Cregier's life were still active. Under the English Governor, Richard Nicolls, in 1668, the men of the city were listed, divided into two companies and ordered to appear upon departure of the governor. Cregier was made one of the captains on August 17, 1668. In 1670 and 1672, he was made captain of a foot company, both under Governor Lovelace. On July 30, 1670, a commission was issued to Martin to be captain, Goovert Lookermans, lieutenant, Stephans Van Cortland, ensign, of a company at New York. A commission also to Captain Martin for a company in his city.
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73On February 26, 1762, he was the first to draw lots for a choice of company, being the senior officer. Apparently, the militiamen did not take their duty seriously, for Martin, in the same petition in which he asked for a replacement for his lieutenant, G. Lookermans, who had died, requested that the militia be fined for failure to appear "on proper summons or beat of the drum." Along with most of the non-British inhabitants of Manhattan, Martin took the oath of allegiance to the British in October 1664. He was still captain of the militia in 1673. In 1670, Gov. Lovelace appointed him collector of the customs at "ye Whore kill," Delaware, until that office was abolished. Three years later, he was made superintendent of the erection of fortifications for the city. In order to meet the increased expense, the governor levied a tax upon "the wealthiest and most affluent inhabitants" and Martin was appointed one of the tax commissioners.
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75The British had not strengthened the fortifications of New York to the point where a fleet could be repulsed. Consequently, when Cornelius Evertsen, Jr. and Martinico Jacob Binckes appeared with 23 vessels and 1600 men, the fort held out for only four hours (on August 9, 1673). From that date until the Dutch signed away their claims to the territory in North America at the Treaty of Westminster, February 19, 1674 - or possibly more accurately until the arrival of Gov. Andros, Dutch control replaced British. Anthony Colve, acting as governor, ordered re-establishment of the court of burgomasters and schepens to take the place of mayor and aldermen, and of a schout instead of a sheriff. These officers' qualifications included, "from the wealthiest inhabitants and those only who are of the Reformed Christian Religion." One of the burgomasters was Martin. He was also made superintendent of building the fortifications. After the re-establishment of English rule, Martin seems not to have served, except as a member of the tax commission appointed February 1, 1674; and then he was designated as a merchant.
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77Martin was appointed one of the church masters in 1674. In 1686, his name was entered by Domine Henricus Selyns in the list of church members of the Dutch Reformed Church. He was then living on Pearl Street (Paerl Straet) between State and Whitehall Streets; either with his daughter, Tryntje (Cathrina), widow of Stoffel Hoagland, or in an adjoining house. He had sold his home on lower Broadway in 1685 to Peter Bayard. It is possible that he had come to live with his daughter. On a list of communicants of the Dutch church compiled in 1686, Martin is #80 and Cathrina is #81. Later in 1686, it is said that he retired to Albany where his son, Martin, was living and where Martin already owned property.
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79Martin and slavery: "Martin Crigier who, as everyone knows, brought up the girl" and "reared the girl at his own expense" This slave was probably the Lysbet Antonis who set fire to Martin's house on January 3, 1664. She was probably the daughter of Little Anthony, one of the slaves freed by Kieft. The black people that were in New Amsterdam at the time were owned by the West India Company. They had been taken from the Spaniards. On February 25, 1644, Director-General Kieft manumitted the slaves and their wives after "having considered the petition of the Negroes who served the Company during eighteen or nineteen years." He placed them "on the same footing as all other free men here in New Netherlands, where they may provide for themselves and families by agriculture on land which shall be designated and granted to them." Unfortunately, "their children already born or yet to be born shall remain obliged to serve the Company as slaves." In 1650, Secretary van Tienhoven stated that there were no more than 3 of these children: One at the House of the Hope; one at the company bouwerie; and one with Martin Cregier.
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81In the volumes of the Records of New Amsterdam 1653 - 1674 (Fernow 974.71 N 42 NY at the NJ Historical Society), there are numerous references to Martin Crieger and Stoffel Hoagland in all seven volumes. Also, see the 1900 edition of the Holland Yearbook see pp. 138-139; and the 1901 edition pp. 121-131. The D.A.R. volumes at the NJ Historical Society are very useful also. Specifically, review the Hoagland entries again. See Baptisms in the Dutch Church, New York 1731 - 1800 by Wright for references to Hoagland and Cregier.
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83A Sweet and Alien Land: the Story of Dutch New York, by Henri and Barbara van der Zee, published in New York by Viking Press in 1978. Page 407, regarding the official response to the Esopus massacre of 1663:
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85"Enthusiasm was as usual almost nil. The general himself visited several places, but could not inspire the colonists to enlist. The army that arrived at Wiltwyck [Kingston] was composed mainly of eighty company mercenaries and thirty English soldiers under Sergeant Nicholas Stilwell, accompanied by forty Long Island Indians. It was not a very impressive force, but the troops were under the command of New Netherland's best warrior -- Martin Cregier -- the experienced commander of the burgher militia in New Amsterdam. He was assisted by Pieter van Couwenhoven, another Captain of the burgher guard, now in charge of the Indians.
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87Captain Lieutenant Crieger, at that time about forty-five years old, had, like so many excellent soldiers, served his military apprenticeship in the Dutch armies of Stadtholder Frederick Hendrick, Prince of Orange. He was a pleasant, intelligent, and able personality, a born leader. Apart from his tavern, he ran a prosperous shipping business. Official appointments had been heaped on him since his arrival around 1643 -- firewarden, orphanmaster, militia commander -- and ten years later he became the first burgomaster of New Amsterdam, a function he would frequently fulfill and which he had relinquished upon taking command of the vital campaign at Esopus. It was to become the crown of his career..."
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89Roelof Martense Schenck
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91Roelof Martense Schenck was born at Amersfoort, Utrecht, Holland about 1630. He came to New Amsterdam in 1650 with his brother, Jan Martense [1630 - 1680 married Jannetje Stevense Van Voorhees in 1673], and sister, Annetje [married Adrian Ryersen on July 29, 1659]. In 1661, he settled at Flatlands (part of Brooklyn). Roelof died prior to August 3, 1705 when his will was probated in New York City. In 1660, he married Neeltje Gerritse Van Cowenhoven, daughter of Gerrit Wolfertse Van Cowenhoven (around 1642 - about 1674). They had 6 children. In 1675, Roelof married Annatje Peirerse Wyckoff, probably the daughter of Pieter Claesen Wyckoff (the first American ancestor of the Wyckoff family). They had 4 children. On November 9, 1688, he married Catrina Cregier, widow of Christoffel Hooglandt, Sr., who was several time a Schepen in [New] Amsterdam and prominent in city affairs. Roelof and Catrina made a prenuptial contract on November 9, 1688 and married on November 30, 1688.
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93Roeloff took his oath of allegiance to the English in Kings county (at Flatlands) on September 30, 1687.
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95The prenuptial agreement was quite common when widowed persons remarried. The wife usually dispersed all personal property belonging to her children and agreed that her children shall not share in the estate of her new husband if she survived him. The translation from the original contract written in Dutch reads:
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97 To-day, date underwritten, Mr. Roelof Martensen Schenck, widower of the late Anneke Pieters, on the side, and Mrs. Catherine Creugiers, widow of the late Christopher Hoogland on the other side, declare that they had agreed between themselves, to the honor of God, to enter into matrimony; but before the solemnization thereof, they had convened that the same should be confirmed in the following manner, to wit: That the aforesaid bridegroom shall bring for the maintenance of himself and future wife such property as by the blessing of God he has become possessed of; nothing excepted; but he shall not acquire any ownership in the estate and property of the aforesaid future bride nor in these which she shall obtain hereafter; and that the future bride shall bring nothing into the wedded state for the maintenance of the couple, but out of the estate and property of her future husband she and her son Hermanus Hoogland, shall be supported and maintained in board and clothing as is decent and proper. It is further conditioned and stipulated that her property, moveable and immoveable, present and future, nothing excepted shall be held in commonalty with the estate and property of the aforesaid bridegroom, but that she shall keep and administer her estate separately, either personally or by others, and dispose of it as she shall think fit without the future bridegroom having or claiming any guardianship, order, or administration over her estate against her will or pleasure, but that all this property with its increments and gains shall remain her own forever and subject to testamentary disposition; and after her decease to her children and their lawful descendants.
98
99 Subject to the above-written conditions, an inventory shall be taken of the property of the future bride and signed by both the attached hereto; which inventory the future man and wife desire to be so binding and inviolable as if the same was herein mentioned and inserted. It is further stipulated and conditioned that if the bridegroom should first die the aforesaid future bride shall throughout her life, whether she remains single or marries again, remain in full possession and usufruct [?] of his bowery bought from the widow and heirs of Govert Lockermans with the house, orchard, Negroes, one half of the horses and cattle found there; provided that out of the revenue thereof she shall keep in good condition without being held responsible and accountable in any manner for misfortunes; provided further; that she shall maintain and support, educate and have instructed in reading and writing, and taught a trade to which they are adapted, the minor children now living who then shall live, and the child or children which the may beget, and after the death of the said bride all the property, viz: Bowery, said house, farm, orchard, Negroes, horses and cattle shall be subject to the disposition and order of the aforesaid bridegroom; but in case the future bride should die before her aforesaid bridegroom she shall have no right to claim anything beyond her clothing of silk, woolen and linen and her jewels which she has used and owned during her lifetime, out of the estate and property of her aforesaid bridegroom, than a decent burial. It is further expressly conditioned and stipulated, that on account of any debts and obligations contracted before the date of the proposed marriage by either of the parties hereto, the other one shall not be dunned, molested or called upon, much less shall they be legally collected, as all community of property and debts between the parties aforesaid is hereby expressly excluded and disclaimed. This Contract of Marriage has been agreed upon and concluded under the above conditions; and the bridegroom binds himself, his executors, administrators, heirs and descendants that it shall have full effect under the aforesaid stipulations and conditions, and to make it still binding, the aforesaid bride has chosen for her assistant and Trustee in this matter her son Derick Hoogland with his heirs and descendants to receive the above for the behoof of the said bride and heirs and for the behoof of nobody else; and furthermore, the said bridegroom binds himself and promises for himself and for his executors, administrators and heirs and descendants to give, satisfy and allow to enjoy, the said Derick Hoogland as chosen Trustee of the aforesaid bride or his heirs and descendants all which has hereinbefore been convened and agreed for and to the behoof of the aforesaid bride or heirs and for the behoof of nobody else, anything heretofore done or agreed upon to the contrary notwithstanding, either law or outside of law thereto appertaining. This done, agreed and concluded at New York and for its further confirmation, it is signed and sealed by them the 9th November, 1688.
100
101Roelof Martensen [seal]
102
103Catryntyna Crigers [seal
104
105Witnesses: Nicholas Gerret, Cornelius Dirchsen
106
107Attested: Willem Bogardus, Notary Public
108
109Tradition holds that the Schenck's arrived in New Amsterdam in the ship "de Valckner" on June 28, 1650. Roelof owned 2 Negro slaves in 1683 and 4 in 1698. He held office under both the Dutch and English. He was a magistrate in Flatlands in 1662, 1663 and 1664. During the brief reoccupation of the Dutch, he was appointed schepen by governor Colve on August 18, 1673 and became a lieutenant of militia on October 25, 1673. He was a deputy to the council held at city hall on March 26, 1674. On December 12, 1689, Lt. Gov. Leisler appointed him a Justice of the Peace of Kings county. He held that office as late as 1692. Leisler also appointed him Captain of Horse on January 13, 1690. The following order was issued by Gov. Jacob Leisler to Major Gerardus Beekman [or Beckman ?], Esq. respecting Captain Schenk's command:
110
111 Whereas, Gerrit Elbertse Stoothof, Lieut. of ye troop of horse of Kings County, on Long Island, has in a Contemptuous manner denied ye Command of his Capt'n Roelof Martense Schenck, especially when ye enemies were Invading and Committing several outrages on this coast by w'ch it evidently appears ye sd. Gerrit Elbertse Stoothof has ill affection to this his Maj'ties Government and is not to be trusted in Command.
112
113 These are therefore to will and require you in his Maj'ties name to dismiss and discharge the sd. Liuet. of having any further Command of sd. troop of horse and to deliver my Commission for Lieut. to Peter Jansen of Brookland for doing whereof these are yo'r sufficient Warr't. Given, &c, this 29th July, 1690.
114
115In the Supreme Court Province of New York 1691 - 1704 Volume 2 pp. 149-152, Roeloff was listed as being a Justice of the Peace and Circuit Court Judge of Kings County in 1703.
116
117Roelof was a deacon or elder or both of the church at Flatlands as early as 1665. In 1686, Roelof and his sons were the largest contributors towards the procurement of a bell for the church.
118
119In the rate list of Amersfoort dated September 25, 1683, Roelof is first in wealth in the town.
120
121Roelof has a lengthy will written September 4, 1704 and proved on July 26, 1705. He mentions, "First, recommending my soul unto Almighty God who gave it, and my body to ye earth to be buried in such a decent and Christian like manner ..." and "Item - I give, grant, devise and bequeath unto my loving wife Catharine Schenck, for and during her natural life all my farm or tenement at Flatlands aforesaid, now in my possession and whereon I now live with ye House, Garden, Barne, orchard, and premises thereunto belonging. To have, hold, occupy, and enjoy for her use only, without impeachment of waste - for and during her natural life - and according to a contact and agreement made between my said wife Catherine and myself before marriage, bearing date ye ninth day of November, 1688, reference being thereunto had, may at large appear. Provided, always, that if my said wife Catherine happens to re-marry after my decease, then my gift, grant, devise and bequeath above said, to be null and voyd to all intents and purposes." After the death or re-marriage of Catherine, Roelof's son, Martin, is to receive all Houses, Lands, Tenements, orchards, Gardens, meadows and hereditaments.
122
123On January 29, 1661, Roelof obtained a patent for 23 morgans of land at Flatlands. On April 3, 1674, he bought of the Heirs of Govert Lookermans 200 acres in the same town with buildings, a village lot, meadows, etc. On April 20, 1688, he bought one half of the mill and one half of the island on which the mill was located (Flatlands) from his brother Jan Martense Schenck
124
125From the Schenck genealogy - Roelof's grand uncle, Sir Martin Schenck van Nydeck, was heir to the castle and estate of Blynbeek, but his title was contested by a cousin, and, by the decision of the courts and the actions authorities, Sir Martin was besieged in his castle and finally forcibly ousted. losing the greater part of their fortunes and possession in Holland, their descendants sought others in the then new and wonderful Nieu Netherlands. Roelof, Jan and Anetje came to New Amsterdam on a ship with approximated 200 people (100 farmers and farm servants and 100 such as the Amsterdam Chamber usually send over). It was an agreement with the West India Company dated March 19, 1650. After Roelof's arrival in new Amsterdam, he lived for a time in Breuklyn (Brooklyn). Around 1660, he and his wife, Neeltje Geretsen Van Couwenhoven, removed to Flatlands (formerly Amersfoort), Long Island.
126
127The following has been taken from the Somerset County Historical Quarterlies.
128
129The following letter was sent to Mrs. Roelof M. Schenck, widow of Christopher Hoagland, in 1693. It was sent from Amsterdam, Holland by Pieter Foussier and his wife, Christien. It read:
130
131To Mrs. Catarina Hooglant at New York:
132
133 Mrs. Catarina Hooglant, your son Francoys Hooglant has been at Amsterdam and has brought his uncle and aunt and us the sad tidings of your son Dirck Hooghlant; how he had been due home already for more than a year and that it is feared that he has perished, which causes us heartfelt sorrow, for we hoped daily for good tidings from my brother Filipe Foessier on the Barbadoes.
134
135 You have there the contract and the power of attorney to take action on it, and the execution would not give you much trouble. But in case your son is dead, which we hope on the contrary, we request you kindly that your son, Martines Hooghaent [as spelled in the letter], will continue the case, for which we have begged him so much and which he has promised us. We are in a sad state. We have sold our house to your brother-in-law and daily we are consuming our money, so that we are consuming our flesh and blood.
136
137 Our sincere request to you is, therefore, that you will conserve the documents and the contract and that you will let us know what resolution you have taken in the matter, so that we may know which course to take.
138
139 We expect your reply at first opportunity.
140
141 Our greetings to your son's wife.
142
143 We entrust you to the care of God and send you greetings of myself and my wife, who has wished a hundred times that she could once speak with you.
144
1451693, 6 Septem. Your Friend,
146
147 Pieter Foussier
148
149 Christien.
150
151Endorsed: Mrs. Hoagland, will you please forward this letter to the Barbadoes to my brother, Flippe Foussier, for the sake of our friendship.
152
153The endorsement probably appeared on the outside of the letter and not placed at the head of the letter which was the custom of the day.
154
155Christoffel Hooglandt obtained the first deed for land in present Passaic County in 1678. See page 262 in the book The Passaic Valley by John Whitehead, LL.D. 1901. In 1680, Sir George Carteret granted a patent to Christopher. The patent was for 270 acres - now the city of Passaic. His patent was known as Stoffel's or Hoagland's patent.
156
157Another letter to Mrs. Roelof M. Schenck, 1695:
158
159To the Honored, discrete Catarijna Crigers, wife of Roelof Maertinse Schinck, at New York, with a friend:
160
161Catrijne Krigers, beloved sister: Your writings of the 10th of April received. You order us to purchase you some goods. I cannot do it, because my health does not permit me. But whereas Hoornbeeck takes care of your affairs, I have given him the letter and the money which you had still coming from us. This amounted to two hundred and twenty guilders. From your younger son you have to expect interest now; that amounts only to 28 guilders now a year, as long as there are such heavy burdens on it. When he comes you will receive it.
162
163 Your son Francoys has been busy here less than a half year and now he is in sea again; I don't know for which destination. In long I have not spoken to him and I don't want to speak to him either. His wife has a young son, I am told. I think he will have hard work like the rest to make a living.
164
165 We owe Dirck 70 or 80 guilders. He can have it sent whenever he says so. Tell him and his wife good night. I have wished we could hear some more from him. I am wondering why he does not write one a while.
166
167 From Maertijn I hear yet the most. Unfortunately he has taken to navigation. Well, this does not make him less.
168
169 I have nothing special to write.
170
171 Receive with your husband and friends the hearty greetings of all of us.
172
173 Your servant,
174
175 Sijmon Verhouv
176Done at Haerlem, the 24th of November, 1695.
177
178On November 14, 1695, Tobias Van Hoornbeek, an Amsterdam merchant, purchased and shipped various goods to Catharina. The letter provides a list of the goods. In part, it read: "List of the goods bought here at the order and for the account of Mrs. Catharina Hoagland, and sent to her under the following mark to Nieu Yorck in North America, by the ship 'The Nieu York-Maryland,' Capt. Thomas Jeff[erson]." The account mentions the purchase of white shirt linen [cost 12 stuivers per yard], blue linen, chequed linen, colored cotton, yarn of different colors, fine white yarn, camels-hair gallons, blue braiding ribbon, red ribbon, white pointed ribbon, darning yarn, needles and darning needles, women's stockings, ivory hair combs, wormseed and also 6 pairs of spectacles [cost 12 stuivers per pair], age 30 60/70 in cases. There was a tariff on the goods, as there are expenses "to the State for duty and administration," and expenses are charged for sending the goods to Rotterdam "where the said ship is to be cleared and to sail." Letter postage is also added. The whole bill amounts to 212.4 florins (guilders), and includes a "Provision for receipt of florins 222 from Simon Verhoeve, Haerlem, for the purchase of goods." Catharina still traded under the name of Hoogland even when she was married to Roelof M. Schenck. Catharina carried on the dry goods business during her widowhood and probably while she was the wife of Christoffel. The business may have first been initiated in New Amsterdam then later in Flatlands. The outside of the letter states "To Roelof Martense Schenck, in the Bay of Long Island."
179
180Henry O. Slok, a Mormon researcher, prepared a document for the Hoagland Family reunion on June 19, 1964. Here is some of what he wrote:
181
182He writes that Christoffel traveled back and forth between New Amsterdam and Holland. A rich uncle helped him get 24,000 guilders in Amsterdam to start his new ventures in New Amsterdam. Christoffel started store houses and was a merchant marine. He went not only on the Hudson River, but to Boston and Virginia and Barbados Island, and Leeward Islands in the Caribbean sea where he got acquainted with some Frenchmen. He mentions that Martin Kregier was a captain serving with the Dutch West India Company. Christoffel's wife, Catrina Kregier, was born on the Delaware River, then called the South River; the Hudson River was called the North River. While researching in Holland, he found a contract dated November 29, 1659 between five merchants under which Christoffel's uncle made a contract for 12,000 guilders to invest making a store house in New York and having a kind of merchant transportation business between Virginia - New York - New England and back to Holland. The merchants were Ambrosius Guddens, Gerret van der Schalcke, Govert van der Liphorst (a cousin of Christoffel?), Evert van Cralen and Willem van Brugge - all were merchants from Haarlem. The contract was to last for four years. See the Archives of Haarlem, Protocol of Notary W. van Kittensteyn, vol 285, fol. 254 and the NY Gen. & Bio. Record 66:175. Christoffel's father, Harman, signed his name as Harman Hoochlandt. He found a will of Dirck Hoochlandt from Rynsburg at Highland. Dirck Harmansz Hoochlandt visited Christoffel in Harlem and while there Dirck decided to make his last will on December 13, 1650 - notarized by Notary J. Kilterman. Dirck gave most of his money and property to his grandchildren. He also makes it clear that the creditors of his son [Harman Dircksz Hoochlandt] cannot have claim on his or later his grandchildren's property. Slok wrote the relationship between Harman and his father, Dirck, was good as Harman could always count on his father for assistance in various manners. Harman was a baker in Haarlem and he married into a richer family - the Deynoot's were wealthy merchants. The bakery business did not go well for Harman. His father helped him out financially as did his brother-in-law, Simon Verhoven. When Dirck looked over his son's business, he was not too much pleased (probably the reason why he left his grandchildren his estate and not his son). Harman was the only son out of two marriages.
183
184Some records state the Christoffel was in the employ of Govert Loockrman when he first came to New Amsterdam. In The American Genealogist 30:41, Christoffel was said to have signed employment papers with Govert in 1655 with the stipulation of "No farm work." In another record, he is listed as "Stoffel van Hooghlandt, clerk of Govert Lookerman." Govert came to New Netherlands in 1633. His brothers, Jacob and Peiter came in 1642 from Turnout, Holland (Antwerp ?). In 1674, Goovert's widow lived on Pearl Street between Wall and William Street. She owned a second class property valued at 4,000.
185
186On March 16, 1661, Christoffel joined the Dutch Reformed Church in New Amsterdam. On October 21, 1661, he and Hendrick Willemson, baker, were appointed "overseers of the bread" in order to assure its being baked well, of good materials, of the proper weight "and to perform their duties for the welfare of the community and the inhabitants." "As having a better knowledge of bread, "were appointed by the Court of Burgomasters and Schepens to put in force an ordinance passed on that date regulating the quality, weight and price of bread, and the forbidding of bakers "to bake any more koeckjes, jumbles or sweet cake." He was involved with this relationship sporadically for 16 years. On March 13, 1663, he was instructed to inspect bakeries at least once a week. He later continued this service under the British, being appointed again on August 9, 1666 when some bakeries were violating ordinances, and being elected, with Francis Rombouts, inspector of white and brown bread, January 21, 1668. From October 18, 1670, he and Tinotheus Gabry were "Censurers of all the Bread ... Baked, And put to Sale by and Publicq Baker." On March 11, 1673, he was made cure-master of bread and flour. He was to receive 4 d per bbl for viewing and branding casks of these articles with the "Cityes Brandmarke" and 1 s per hogshead or puncheon with appropriate pay for larger or smaller casks, for "Gaging of Liquids or Dry Goods." On November 1674, he was nominated for "Surveyor of bread and flower and Gauger" and was sworn into this position on March 6, 1675.
187
188On April 10, 1663, he was appointed an arbitrator by the court. He was nominated schepen on July 3, 1663 (he held that position at the time of the British conquest of New Amsterdam). He held the office again during the brief Dutch reoccupation. He had taken his oath of allegiance in October 1664; appointed an alderman on August 17, 1668; 10 years later was nominated by Gov. Andros for the same position, October 5, 1678; and appointed one of the six aldermen and a member of the Court of Admiralty on October 14, 1678.
189
190During the period of the Dutch reoccupation, Christopher and two others had merchandise they had purchased in London routed via Boston confiscated and sold as a prize as enemies' property. On June 21, 1674, Peter Jacobsen Marius and Christoffel were designated to appraise the sloop Edmond and Mathew with its cargo of tobacco which had been captured and brought to port by the Dutch Captain Cornelis Ewoutsen.
191
192Although, after having been nominated lieutenant to succeed Govert Lookermans, deceased, in Martin Crieger's company, 18 May 1672, his alternate, Mr. Beekman, was appointed, on 19th Xber 1673, the officers of the militia included Lt. Christoffel Hooghlant. He had previously been a lieutenant in 1669.
193
194Christoffel's property was valued at 5000 florins on March 17, 1674. He was considered on of the "best and most affluent inhabitants of New York." There is another publication that lists Christoffel owing a Second class property for the same year (1674) on the present Pearl street between Whitehall and State valued at 8000 florins. The tax lists on houses and vacant ground of July 24, 1677 lists "Vacant ground: Hooglands Corner front to ye Bridges 50 foot to ye Pearle Streete ..." By 1666, he was living on "De Hoogh Street" near the Pearl Street bridge and owned property elsewhere. On May 1669, he obtained from Peter Stuyvesant property at what is now the southeast corner of Broadway and Maiden Lane. His widow was living there in 1686. He also acquired Staten Island property - 180 acres at the South side of the Fresh Kill.
195
196On April 12, 1682, there was a return of a survey of 5320 acres of the Aqueyquinonke tract for Gov. Phil Carteret, Christopher Hooghland, Captain Richard Stillwell and 5 others. Two days later, Lady Elizabeth Carteret issued a patent to the same group for this land. On March 25, 1687, the patent was given to Richard Stillwell of Staten Island and Catharina Hoogland of New York and 7 others for 4000 acres at Acquicanuck between Pisaick [Passaic] and Sadler Rivers. On April 23, 1696, Dirk Hogeland of New York City, mariner, son and heir of Christopher Hogland of the same place, merchant, deceased, with his mother, Catharina Hoogland, gave a deed to Hartman Macheelson (Vreeland) of Qumunepa, a farmer. This was called the Dundee tract - "Adjoining the island in the Passaic river where two contiguous tracts of land containing nearly 300 acres, purchased from the Indians by Christopher Hoagland, a New York fur dealer, in May 1678, and by him conveyed to Hartman Michielse on February 16, 1679." Michielse was the first white man in what is now Passaic having bought the island on April 4, 1678. The quit-rents were not paid for there were notations of them at "Aqueuhnunck, 278 acres" due for three years (1680 - 1683) and a account of the quit-rents owed in Elizabethtown ending Lady Day 1685.
197
198Christoffel and Cathrina made a joint will on March 12, 1676 that was proved on 1686. Part of it read, “Monday in the afternoon about five o'clock ... the testator sickly and the testatrix going and sound of body ... the testators out of special love and natural affection in matrimony received, and if God pleases to be received, declare that the whole estate shall go to the survivor for life. If the survivor remarry, an equal division is to be made between the children, and they are to be caused to learn to read and write and a trade by which they may live, and when they come to age they shall receive their portions, and the survivor is not to diminish the right of the children, but rather to help and assist them. And ... the survivor shall not be obliged to give any account of the estate to the orphan master of their city or where the funeral house may be or the testators' friends." Provision was also made for any subsequently born children to have an equal share in the estate. In the will of their grandson, Martin (Martynis - son of Christopher), in 1767, he specified that "My share of my grandfather, Christopher Hogelands estate to be sold, it being in New York." As late as 1770, three of the grandchildren, Martin, John and Christopher (sons of Christopher Hoagland and Helena Aersen) still owned some of the land of their grandparents. They quitclaimed their right to 2/3 part of the estate. The will was drawn up by notary William Bogardus and was witnessed by their friends, Francis Rombonts and Paul Richard, merchants. Willaim Bogardus married Sarah Cregier, sister of Christoffel's wife.
199
200 In the name of God, Amen. Know all men, who shall see this Publick instrument, that in the year after the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 1676, the 12th day of March, on Monday in the afternoon about 5 o'clock, did appear in their own persons before me Wm. Bogardus, Notary Public, residing in New York, admitted by the Rt. Hon. Lord Edmund Andross, Governor-General, in the behalf of his Royal Highness, James Duke of York and Albany, etc., and in the presence of the underwritten witnesses. Mr. Christopher Hoogland and Mrs. Catharine Cregier, joined in marriage, living within this city and both well known to me and to the witnesses, the testator being sickly, and the testatrix going and standing and sound of body, but both using fully and absolutely their sences, memory and speech.
201
202 They have nominated and instituted their children, Dirck, Harman, Martin, Christopher and Frances DeGroot Hoogland, and the children which they may by the blessing of God get in the future, their lawful descendants and heirs equally and that the eldest son shall not pretend any prerogative therein. And further the testators out of special love and natural affection in matrimony received, and if God pleases to be received, declare that the whole estate shall go to the survivor for life. If the survivor remary, an equal division is to be made between the children, and they are to be caused to learn to read and write, and a trade by which they may live, and when they come of age they shall receive their portions and the survivor is not to diminish the right of the children but rather to help and assist them. And it is their will that the survivor shall not be obliged to give any account of the estate to the orphan masters of this city "or where the funeral house may be," or to the testator's friends, excluding them, "All Laws and Statutes to the contrary notwithstanding." Done at New York in the house of the testators in the presence of Mr. Francis Rumbaut and Paul Richards, merchants.
203
204Thomas Dongan, Lieutenant-General and Governor, to all, etc. Know ye that at a Court of Records held in New York on Tuesday the 11 of May, 1686, the will of CHRISTOPHER HOOGLAND was proved, and his wife Catharine was confirmed as administratrix, April 14, 1687.
205
206Refer to these interesting books:
207
208Collection of N.Y. Genealogical and Biographical Society: Marriages in the Reformed Church in N.Y. 1639-1801 Volume 9
209
210The NY Historical Society Collection: Burgers - New Amsterdam
211
212Calendar of Historical Manuscripts by O'Callaghan
213
214State of NY Report of the State Historian published in 1896
215
216Documents Relating to the Colonial History of NY (Several Volumes). Especially see Volume 2 for Martin Cregier entries. In all 3 volumes, there are numerous references to Martin.
217
218Additional notes:
219
220Govert Loockrman was a seafaring man from Turnhout, Belgium living at Amsterdam. He emigrated in 1663 on the yacht St. Martyn as a cook's mate. Once in New Amsterdam, he engaged in the mercantile business. He married Ariaentje Jans while on a visit in Amsterdam on February 26, 1641. His bride was a widow living at Haarlem. After his marriage, he came to New Netherland with his wife, widowed mother-in-law, Jacomyntje Fransen as a maid and Dirk Jansz from Rotterdam to be in charge of Govert's herd. In the records, he was listed as a seafaring man living on the Princegracht, Amsterdam. Ariaentje was a widow living in Amsterdam. She had been married to Jan Van De Water. Ariaentje was the daughter of Jan Philipsz and Lysbet Setten. Her father was a messenger to the province of Zealand. Govert married second to Marretje Jans, widow of Tyman Jansen, on July 11, 1649 who was a sister of his first wife and a sister of the famous Anneken Jans [see NYRec 8:11; 5:69; 1925:202] and daughter of Tryntie Jonas widow of Thymem Jansz and Dirck Cornelissen van Westveen. Marretje died on November 17, 1677. Some records hold that he married third to Elsje Tymens widow successively of Peter Cor Van der Veen and Dirck Corneliszen. This may be unlikely because Marritje died after Govert. Govert died in 1670 [died by May 18, 1671]. Some records state that Marretje Jans and her husband, Tyman Jansen, had a daughter, Elsie TYMANS, born circa 1633/4. Elsie Tymans was a step-daughter of Govert Loockermans.
221
222Part of Govert’s plantation was sold to Roelof Martense Schenck. On November 30, 1654, Govert was involved in court in an attempt to have Cornelius de Potter (he was represented by his son-in-law, Johannes Nevius) pay his share in the construction of the small ship "New Love." Cornelius was ordered to do so on December 18, 1654. Govert’s brothers, Jacob and Peter Janse, settled in Beverwyck (Albany).
223
224Regarding the paragraph above, I received the following from Robert Protzmann (Robert.Protzmann@akzo-nobel.com): “Marritje Jans was not the sister of Ariantje Jans (as your information on her parents shows, daughter of Jan Philipsz).”
225
226Compiled by Robert L. Protzmann
227
228 “Govert Janse LOOCKERMANS, b. Turnhout; d. 1670; m1. Feb 26, 1641, Amsterdam, Ariantje Jans; m2. Jul 11, 1649, Marritje Jans, wid of ; m3. (?) Elsje Thymens (d. bur Nov 20, 1677), wid of Peter Cornelisen Van der Veen and Dirck Cornelisen. IMMIGRANT, from Turnhout, to New Amsterdam, Apr 1633, with Van Twiller, on ship "Soutberg". He was on the St Martyn or Hope, commanded by Juriaen Blanck, as an apprentice. He and Jacob van Couvenhoven were immediately taken into the company's employ. Returned to Amsterdam in 1640, and came back to New Amsterdam, Nov 29, 1641, on "Coninck David" ("King David"). 1644, he purchased the yacht "Hope" and began trading between New Amsterdam and Beverwyck. On Feb 27, 1643, he and Maryn Andriaensen, by order of Gov Kieft, led an attack on Indians camped at Corlear's Hook, killing 30 of them, and beginning Kieft's Indian War. He visited Holland several times, setting up trading and business contacts. He was also a brewer, on Pearl St, near the present Hanover Square, where he lived. Member of the Board of Nine Men, 1647-50, Schepen, 1657, 1660. Orphan Master, 1663. He came again to New Amsterdam, in 1663, as a cook's mate, on the yacht "St Martyn". Lived near New Utrecht in 1666, his w2. remaining in NYC as a shopkeeper. One of the Patentees of Flatlands, where he once resided (200 acres). It was sold to Roelof Martense Schenck after his death. Lt, Co of Foot, Jul, 1670. He was, perhaps, the wealthiest citizen of NY at the time of his death ($208,000).
229
230He had a cherry orchard, which gave the name to Cherry St. He was the New Amsterdam representative (factor) for Gillis Verbrugge & Co, in the 1660's). His house on Hanover Square was later (1691-96) the home of Capt William Kidd, the Privateer, turned pirate. Her sister was Hester Jans who m. Jacob Wolfertsen Van Couwenhoven, who came with Govert to New Amsterdam. He became the father-in-law to Jacob Leisler, who m. his step daughter, Elsie. Her house was on the next block, between Hanover Square and Sloate lane.”
231
232From Jim Whitelaw <whitelaw@his.com>, “At the time of his [Govert Loockermaans] death in 1671, he was the wealthiest man in Niew Amsterdam, He was one of the Committee of Nine Men in 1647. In 1657, Schepen or Magistrate, also Chief of the Fire Company and Lieutenant in the City Militia. He came from Turnhout, Holland, in the employ of the East India Company, under Director-General Van Twiller. His Signature appears on papers with that of Cornelius Barentse Van Wyck.”
233
234“ Marritje Jans, born about 1607 in Flekkeroy, Norway was the daughter of Tryntje Jonas who was the first mid-wife of New Amsterdam and the sister of Anneke Jans. Anneke had married twice. First to Roelof Jansen in Amsterdam Reformed Niew Kerk in April of 1623 and the second time in New Amsterdam to Domine Everadus Bogardus in March of 1607. The records show that Marritje was married three times. Around 1632 she married Tyman Jansen, more than likely at Amsterdam in The Netherlands. He died before 1646, for in that year Marritje married for the second time to Dirck Corneliszen Van Wensveen on 28 August 1646 at the Reformed Dutch Church at New Amsterdam. Dirck died by July 1648 and the following year on 20 July 1649 Marritje married for the third and last time to Govert Loockermans.
235
236 Marritje Jans and Tyman Jansen: They had one child, a daughter, Elsje (Elsie) who was born about 1633/34 in New Amsterdam. Elsie married twice, first, with intentions recorded 7 Jan 1652 at New Amsterdam, to Pieter Cornelis Vanderveen; and second, on 11 April 1663 at New Amsterdam to Jacob Leiser. Elsie had four children by Pieter. Three, Cornelis, Timotheus, and Margarita, were mentioned in her mother's will. Her second marriage to Jacob Leiser resulted in seven more children being added to her progeny: Susanna, Catharina, Jacob, Mary, Johannes, Hester, and Francina.
237
238 Marritje Jans and Dirck Corneliszen Van Wensveen: From this marriage one child was born and baptized at the Reformed Dutch Church in New Amsterdam. He was christened as Cornelis and was recorded as Cornelis Dirckszen in marriage intentions to Grietje Hendricks on 17 Nov 1652. They had one son, Dirck Dirckszen, who was baptized at New Amsterdam on 2/3/1674.
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240 Marritje Jans and Govert Loockermans: Govert had been previously married to Ariaentje Jans. He and Marritje had one child, Jacob, who was baptized at New Amsterdam on 17/3/1652 and witnessed by: Pieter Prins, Annetje Loockermans, and Jacob Van Couwenhoven. Records show that Jacob was alive but unmarried on 7/5/1677--the date of his mother's will. It was proved in New York on 22/7/1678 with a codicil dated 1/11/1677.
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242Sources: NYG&BR, records of Reformed Dutch Church New Amsterdam, "Dear Cousin..." by William Brower Bogardus and many of the resources he mentions in his wonderful book.”
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244I copied the following from the WEB page of Ted Brassard of Nottingham, NH: http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~amadeus/TXT/MJans.txt
245
246There were three Hoagland's who came to the New World: Christoffel, from Haarlem, North Holland; Dirck Janse Hoogland, from Maarssenveen, Utrecht - came to the New World in 1657 and resided in Flatlands; and Cornelius Andriesen Hoogland, from De Hague, South Holland.